Custom Search

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Think before you speak...

Apparently someone over at the Chicago Sun-Times seems to think that the modern US military should stop wasting money on submarines and aircraft because "Al-Qaida has neither a navy nor an air force". This has got to be the most idiotic thing I have read in a long time. True, Al-Qaeda does not have a navy or an air force, but that does not mean we do not need one! There are plenty of countries out there that would love to get the upper hand on the U.S. Yes, we are currently fighting Terrorists, but that should not dictate getting rid of or stopping production of military forces and equipment. Obviously the writer of the article has not done his research. Submarines and Aircraft play a huge role in the fight on terrorism. Both of which provide cover for land forces and help to keep the soldiers on the ground out of harms way. If it were not for submarines firing cruise missiles at intended targets, there would have to be a great deal more troops on the ground to carry out the mission. More troops on the ground mean more potential for U.S casualties. Virginia class submarines are specifically called out in his article: "the Bush administration plans to continue funding the Virginia class submarine." The Virginia class are currently in production to replace the aging Los Angeles class submarines. Without these replacements the US Navy will quickly lose is deterrent potential and start to come under threat of countries such as Iran and North Korea. I do not understand how someone can write a news article (and have it published) on a subject they clearly have not put a lot of thought into. Just because today's threat does not have a navy or an air force does not mean tomorrow's threat will not either. Stopping production of highly valuable assets would certainly threaten the security of this nation. The author is clearly oblivious to global threats and the needs of the military.

No comments: